14.5/20

Updated October 26, 2026,first published October 13, 2025

14.5/20

Ibushi

Japanese$$

Smoky mood-lit Tokyo grillhouse in a precinct of all-things Japanese dining.

If you’re a Japanophile, you’ve probably already heard ofPrefecture 48 – a heritage-listed CBD warehouse encompassing a whisky bar, patisserie, andkaiseki andomakase restaurants spread across three storeys. But then don’t forget about Ibushi, the moody robatayaki that’s also the precinct’s most casual restaurant, featuring an upbeat atmosphere powered by the heat of blazing charcoal.

Nab a seat at the dark timber bar overlooking the kitchen for a first-hand piece of the action, chefs attentively turning meat and seafood over the grill. Expect large plates to feature the likes of whole flounder, or wagyu chuck tail flap as the steak, served under seasonal mushrooms in a lovely kombi dashi sauce.

The robata is where it’s at, but don’t overlook the raw stuff – a tuna tartare topped with chives is a textural delight of raw fish on top of crisp rice, wrapped in a neat square of nori – and a crunchy comte onigiri is a cheesy highlight. Unsure what to pair it with? Ever-present staff are happy to offer tastes of wine or sake before you commit – there’s never been a better time to give the red-rice junmai a whirl.

Good to know: Make sure you look up – the ceiling is punctuated by a twisting gold-wire sculpture by Filipino-Belgian artist Racso Jugarap.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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Last visited: June 2026

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Source: The Age

At a glance

Topic
World
Country
🇦🇺 AU
Publisher language
EN
Added to Allnira